Buzz
Hoi An is not just about lanterns and ancient yellow walls, it's a treasure trove of unique dishes, beautiful coffee shops, and exciting points of interest to discover.
Immerse yourself in the chic itinerary for an unforgettable Hoi An travel experience
5:30 AM: Embrace the dawn in the ancient town
As a hot tourist spot year-round for both locals and international visitors, Hoi An is always bustling with tourists. If you want to see a tranquil and dreamy Hoi An or simply have a street to yourself for some Instagram-worthy moments, the best time is early morning.
Wake up early, stroll or cycle through the old town, witness the sunbeams piercing through the brown tiled roofs, casting a warm glow on the yellow walls and vibrant paper flowers. You'll truly feel the essence and unhurried pace of Hoi An.
6:30 AM: Indulge in the legendary banh mi breakfast
Banh mi is a must-try when visiting Hoi An for many. Hoi An's banh mi is distinctive with its long and pointed shape, loaded with a variety of fillings, creating a visually abundant and tempting appearance. Not only that, the price is very affordable, just 15,000 to 20,000 VND, enough to keep you satisfied for the entire morning.
Hoi An boasts numerous banh mi shops, but the most renowned are Phuong Banh Mi and Madame Khanh Banh Mi. With a wide range of fillings such as ham, pate, sausage, cheese, smoked meat, and eggs, the banh mi in these shops is incredibly diverse. According to many, Madame Khanh's banh mi has a more Vietnamese flavor, while Phuong's is closer to a Western taste.
7:30 AM: Morning coffee at Hoi An Roastery
A vacation morning is incomplete without a good cup of coffee. So after breakfast, head to Hoi An Roastery. Located on Tran Phu Street, the place has a simple yet immediately appealing atmosphere with the lingering aroma of coffee.
The coffee here is freshly ground on-site, giving it a distinct and aromatic flavor. The drink options are diverse, catering to coffee enthusiasts, including espresso for those who enjoy the pure taste or cappuccino and latte for those looking to kickstart their day with just the right amount of caffeine. Of course, there are also various cocoa and fruit drinks, so even if you don't drink coffee, you can still find something to enjoy. The average price for drinks here is around 50,000 VND.
8:30 AM: Explore Cu Lao Cham
If you crave a dose of vitamin sea or the sensation of being immersed in the turquoise waters and beautiful white sands reminiscent of Hawaii, don't forget to book a tour to Cu Lao Cham. This tour will pick you up around 8:00 to 8:30 in Hoi An (depending on pre-arrangement) and take you to Cu Lao Cham.
The tour will give you the opportunity to experience the distinctive attractions of the island, as well as indulge in snorkeling and coral reef watching. Lunch is included in the tour package. The Cu Lao Cham tour typically returns to Hoi An around 3:00 PM, making it ideal for those with limited time.
3:30 PM: Snack time in the city center
After a fun day of snorkeling at Cu Lao Cham, returning to Hoi An is the perfect moment to recharge with a variety of tempting evening snacks. Just step into Tran Phu Street, and you'll find a plethora of options, from grilled meat rolled in rice paper to delicious sweet soups, fresh fruits, and ice cream cones.
Each street snack in Hoi An ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 VND. In general, enjoying a satisfying street snack session in the old town will only cost you around 50,000 VND.
4:30 PM: Discover a sunset-view coffee shop
When in Hoi An, try something novel like enjoying the town from above. A few years ago, this would have been a challenging experience, but recently, Hoi An has some cafes with second floors and rooftops where you can admire the ancient town from a high vantage point, such as The Chef and FAIFO Coffee.
In these cafes, as you await the sunset, you'll witness the ancient charm of Hoi An becoming even more beautiful as the sunset gradually casts its warm glow on the old tiles, revealing the hues of time.
6:30 PM: Dinner with Hoi An specialties
In the evening, savor the local specialties such as Cao Lau and Chicken Rice. Cao Lau, a Hoi An delicacy, is made from fragrant rice soaked in well water, finely ground, and sifted. The water used to grind the rice must come from the Ba Le well. Cao Lau doesn't require broth; instead, it features slices of pork, pork cracklings, and herbs. The pork slices are made from lean pork leg, marinated with spices and five flavors.
As for Chicken Rice Hoi An, it involves boiling and finely shredding the chicken, mixing it with onions, spices, and Hoi An rice. This dish perfectly represents the culinary taste of Central Vietnam. Despite being rich in spices, the chicken in this dish isn't overwhelming; instead, it's savory, fragrant, and mouth-watering. Unlike other rice dishes, Chicken Rice Hoi An doesn't leave you feeling overly full but always leaves you craving for more.
7:30 PM: Stroll the night streets and enjoy live music at a cafe
Nighttime is when Hoi An comes alive, adorned with hundreds of sparkling lanterns. You can participate in traditional games like blindfolded pot smashing or releasing floating lanterns. Afterward, visit some music cafes like LE Fê Cafétéria or Guitar Hawaii. The Hoi An night, accompanied by a gentle breeze and immersed in the melodies of Quang Nam, will offer you an unforgettable evening.
As per Afamily
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Reference: Travel guide on Mytour
MytourApril 21, 2017
